Archaeological Observation Shepton Mallet Mains Reinforcement, Somerset

The works will involve the installation of two separate sections of pipeline: " Pipeline Section 1 runs from the Forum Treatment Works to the N of Shepton Mallet (c. NGR: ST 62075 44904) for approximately 1.75km, terminating at a connection point near to the Charlton Viaduct (NGR: ST 62742 43689) to the E of the town; " Pipeline Section 2 is located on the eastern side of Lambert's Hill (B3136) to the SSW of Shepton Mallet and N of Ridge Lane. It extends for approximately 258m between c. NGR: ST 60950 42767 and NGR: ST 60862 42530. The proposed methodology mainly uses open-cut trenching, with a small section of HDD being undertaken under the A37 between Fields 008a and 013a, and possibly beneath Back Lane between Fields 002 and 002a. Prior to open-cut trenching, topsoil will be stripped along a 20m wide working area, with the removed material being stored alongside the excavation. The open-cut trenching itself will be between c. 0.8m and 1m wide, likely reaching depths of c. 1.2m below ground level (bgl). The main works compound will measure c. 50m × 40m and will be located in the NE corner of Field 008 with access via Kilver Street Hill (A37; c. NGR: ST 62465 44486). Two pipe storage areas, each measuring c. 30m2, will also be located in Field 002 at the N end of Pipeline Section 1 (c. NGR: ST 62029 44772), and Field 026 at the S end of Pipeline Section 2 (c. NGR: ST 60885 42532). All areas of ground disturbance relating to the open-cut trenching, the HDD access pits, the main works compound, and the pipe storage areas will be carried out under archaeologically controlled machine excavation utilising a flat-bladed bucket operating in a single direction wherever possible (as determined by engineering needs). This operation will be undertaken to a standard sufficient to identify any significant archaeological horizons or features present and enable their location to be recorded for subsequent investigation. Throughout the works, the supervising archaeologist will inspect all resultant surfaces and spoil heaps and should any archaeological finds, features or deposits be revealed, excavation will cease, with areas of identified archaeology cordoned-off from plant movement pending archaeological investigation. Reasonable time and resources will be allowed to undertake inspection and recording, provided the archaeology is safely accessible. A metal detector will be used as considered necessary. No unauthorised metal detecting will be permitted anywhere within the Site and all such activity will be carried out in accordance with BA's Metal Detecting Policy (2018b) incorporating Historic England and Portable Antiquities Scheme guidance. Where archaeological deposits or features are identified for further investigation, exposed surfaces will be cleaned by hand and planned using Total Station (TS) and/ or a survey-grade Global PositiWithin significant archaeological levels, excavation would proceed by hand to establish the date and character of any archaeological deposits or features and to undertake palaeoenvironmental sampling. The partial excavation or half-sectioning of features and deposits, sampling, the recovery of material for dating and in order to determine function, and the cleaning and recording of structures is considered preferable to full excavation. Full excavation and/ or removal of deposits will be agreed with the SHEO during a Site monitoring meeting, as will the treatment of any archaeological deposits considered worthy of preservation in situ so as to agree a strategy for preserving or recording them. Naturally occurring layers and features, such as peat, alluvium, geoarchaeological deposits and palaeochannels, will be investigated. This is particularly likely when the deposits contain well-preserved biological remains and/ or were laid down during periods of archaeological interest.